October is the most popular month for diocesan conventions, convocations and councils, with more than 30 of them scheduled this month. Another 20 will be held in November. These conventions will have some added business of importance this year with the election of deputies to General Convention. Although General Convention is nearly two years away, deputies are being elected now in order that they may be well prepared for the 1997 convention in Philadelphia. Elections so far in advance also help the General Convention office to conduct its business efficiently, and will allow plenty of time for appointments to be made to the various committees of convention.

We hope delegates to the various diocesan conventions will give substantial thought and prayer to the election of General Convention deputies. What do the candidates for this important office believe about the key issues facing the church? What do they believe about God? Should we continue to elect the same deputies every three years just because "we've always done it that way"?

The election of thoughtful, well-informed, committed deputies should help to ensure that convention is serious and prayerful as it goes about its business. Some persons "back home" are quick to criticize the voting records of General Convention deputies. These elections at diocesan conventions may give us all a chance to do something about it.